Pulse

Chapter 6

Briggs

      Rapid gunfire was ear-piercing and deafening. The filthy dusty was suffocating, the heat damn near scorching; I felt like I was in a fire pit of hell. I feel like I can't breathe. Bodies are lying all around; my men are dropping like flies. The explosion hits close, and I am thrown into the air, landing in a heap.

     "Ah," I screamed in pain. I feel some jolting me.
    "Briggs wakes up." Layla's voice was angelic. . . sweet. She was close by. My eyes opened, and I saw her inches from my face. "Are you ok?" She touched my sweaty face with her hand. She was so beautiful. My racing heart calmed down seeing her.
    "Need anything, soldier?" Her lips curved up in a gorgeous smile. Damn, she's stunning. Her dark hair hung like a curtain framing her beautiful face. Her eyes sparkled with such beauty.
     "Bad dream?" She says it took me a few minutes to clear my head of what I just saw and focus on my reality, my erratic heartbeat started to slow, and I was able to push words out finally.
     "I'm ok." She leaned in and kissed my cheek. I closed my eyes, relishing in her soft, delicate lips. Her affection was so sweet, trying to make sure I was ok. She was erasing all the bad.
     "Briggs, I gotta go home and change and have a shower."
     "What if it's not safe?" I then remembered all of last night, my body tensed just thinking of how desperately I wanted to help her, but I had no way. I don't know exactly what happened to her; I didn't want to cause her any more tears to relive it and tell me after seeing her so distraught. The door swung open; the nasty nurse came waltzing in. Her bitch face spread with an evil grin.
"Layla, you're still here?" She talked with a snippy attitude. I wanted to knock her insipid smug look off her face.
    "I was just leaving," Layla spoke softly.
    "Our chief of staff would like to talk with you."
    "In what regards?" Layla looked nervous as she played with her hair.
    "Just come with me." She said rudely.
    This woman was pissing me off.
    Layla looked at me with worry written all over her face. I reached out and slid my hand in with hers. I squeezed her soft hand; she gave me one back.
      She pulled her hand away, her fingers slipped away, and I missed them.
      Damn, why do I miss it? Why do I feel lost without her as soon as she's gone?
      She looked back at me from the door. She waved with a tear that slid down.
      Damn, I hope she's not in trouble for last night.

...........

Layla

     I was shaking as we walked down the corridor. I have never been in trouble before. I always do my best to do the right thing. But last night, I needed someone, and he was there for me. In ways, I never thought he would be. He made me laugh when I felt so low; he was there as I came apart. He didn't ask me to tell him what had happened. He was just there.
     The unfriendly nurse opened a door. Two people dressed in white coats and scrubs at a long table; each had a clipboard and a laptop. They both looked up when I entered.
     The man took his glasses off. "Layla, please have a seat." He pointed with his hand to the chair. There were no pleasantries or kind welcome, just judgment, and obviously, their minds were made up. I took an awkward seat in front of the two people.
      "Layla, can you tell us what happened last night that made you feel you could break the rules and stay the night in a patient's room?" This man was straight and to the point. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed like they already had their verdict, and they were making a mockery of me or causing me grief.
     "I will not sit here and be judged for what I did. I had a shitty night, and I needed a friend. Tell me what you have already decided cause I know anything I say; you've already made your mind up." I declared, feeling furious and emotional, with tears I held back.
      "Well then, if you are finished talking, we are sorry to inform you that you are fired. Effective immediately. Leave your name tag at the main desk."
     I stood up and walked out and slammed the door shut. I ripped my tag off and chucked it on the ground.
     I walked into Briggs's room. Axl was sitting there with him. They looked like they were in a serious conversation.
     I stop mid-step. They both look at me.
"Are you ok, Layla?" Briggs asked as his eyes rested on mine.
     "I gotta go...I...good luck to you two on your recovery." I turned and walked out.
     "Layla?" Come back." Briggs called out to me.
     The nurse stopped me in the hallway.
     "Excuse me, please move. I'm about to blow a fuse."
     "We don't allow fraternizing with the patients. We have cameras maybe next time; you won't mingle with the patients."
      Tears filled my eyes. "Are you kidding me? I didn't do anything wrong? We hugged. That was it. He was hurting, and so was I. Can't you have compassion for people hurting?"
     "It's just how it is; I'm sorry."
     "Fuck you; I am not leaving him here, especially with you," I said protectively.
     "Well, you can't take him, and you can't work here, so I guess you're shit out of luck." She smirked again; she was one evil person.
     "Who the fuck shit in you bowl of shit cereal? You are no good for nothing bitch. Better watch out what goes around comes around." I yelled and screamed. People were staring.
     I heard my name from behind me.
"Layla?" I looked behind me and saw Briggs standing beside Axl.
     "Please, come here." Briggs's eyes were soft and caring. I ran back over and wrapped my arms around him. Axl held him, so he didn't fall over.
      "I'm so sorry; I'll maybe see you around. Call me when you get out if you want to."
     He touched my face as tears streamed down my face. "Stay, please. Stay as my girl. You don't have to be my nurse. But please stay. I know shit happened last night, so if you are not ready, that's fine. I can wait but please, as a friend, stay. I need you." His voice sounded filled with emotion.
     "What does being your girl entail?"
     He suddenly crashed his lips onto mine. His body was shaking as he was obviously in pain. But it didn't stop him from kissing me. He was delicate and beautiful. His lips felt like one of a kind made just for me. They were the perfect shape; they felt so gentle. With the added tongue grazing my seems, I felt peace and happiness. His arms held me close, his fingers knotted into my hair. We both let out a harmonious moan as his tongue stroked mine. It all ended too soon, but it was the best damn kiss I have ever had.
     "Damn, that was some kiss," Axl said beside us. I had completely forgotten he was there. Everything had faded away, and I was lost in just us.
     "So what do you say? Will you be this messed-up soldier's girl?" He glanced into my eyes, quaking my core as he winked at me.
     "Yes, yes, I will."
      He looked sincerely happy for the first time.
     "Can we go back? I need to sit?"
     "Yes, of course." I got on one side of Briggs, and Axl was on the other. We got him to his bed. He got settled.
     "Layla?" Axl spoke.
     "Yes?"
     "What happened last night?"
     "I can't talk about it."
     "Are you still in trouble?"
     "I don't know, he was just there, and he was drunk, and he wouldn't leave. I don't know where to go. I can probably stay with my sister."
     "That's probably best."
     "You should press charges," Briggs suggested.
      "He'll hurt me." I felt scared of what Chris might do now.
     "I'll be leaving here in a few days; you could stay with me? It's not a huge place, but for the time being, it might work?" Axl offered.
     "Oh, you don't have to do that."
     "Layla, it would make me feel better if you had someone around. Well, I'm here." Briggs sounds nervous. I like that he cares.
      "Awe, has soldier boy gone soft on me?" I joked.
     "Watch it, girl," he winked at me, grinning.
     "I'll just text my sister and see if she would let me stay for a bit."
     The guys both nodded.

     I texted my sister
TEXT

Layla: Sadie, I wondered if I could stay with you for a bit? Have some sister time. Miss you, let me know."

     But it was pretty early, so she wouldn't get this for a while as she sleeps in.
     I took a seat beside Briggs; Axl sat on the other side. The nurse came in and gave me the death stare.
     "What's your problem with me?" I shoot up out of my seat.
      "You don't belong here. They made the right decision, but for some reason, you're like a pest the won't get the hint you're not wanted."
     "Hey, bïtch, I don't know what has you so vile towards me, but you need to shut the hell up before I break your damn face," I growled loudly—feeling hurt.
      "Aww, how sweet; I'd watch out for this one. She sounds like she's losing it." She laughed at me.
     "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE." Both Briggs and Axl shouted at the nurse. She spun on her heel and left.
      "I should leave." I wiped at my tears as quickly as they came.
      "I'd like you to stay, Layla; come here."
      I walked over. Briggs reached his hand out and pulled me into his body.
      "I'll leave you two." Axl left us.
      "Layla, I'm so sorry; there is absolutely no reason for her to be treating you this way." He spoke softly close to my neck. I buried my face into the shallow of his neck. His arms cradle my shaking body. He moved over to the bed so I could lay next to him.
      His hand rubbed my back up and down. "Can you tell me what happened last night? He scanned my face as he brushed my hair away, then focused on my eyes.
     "It wasn't that bad; he just scared me." I lied, not wanting him to hear what Chris did. I could still feel Chris's gripping hands me hard, the pain as he smashed my head into the car. The fear I felt when he pulled down my pants and touched me without my consent.
    "Layla, don't hold it in; I won't judge you or make you feel bad. I think you should charge him and the nurse. She saw how scared and hurt you were."
    "I just don't want to cause anyone any trouble."
    "Layla, they need to pay. That nurse was not helping me, and she could have helped send the police or helped me  find your residence something."
    "I just don't want you to look at me differently or that I somehow caused him to do this."
    "I won't, and I could never look at you differently."
    "Is he your boyfriend?"
    "No, I broke up with him six months ago. But recently, he's started showing up at my apartment wanting to be with me. But last night, he showed up drunk; he was so angry. He's never been that anger towards me. He smashed my phone, then came at me, saying he would have me. I was able to get away and into the building, but I didn't have my keys, so I knocked on my neighbor's door, but they weren't there then. I went to the next one, and he let me in.
I stayed there until I heard the banging stop. Once he left, I went back down to grab my purse and keys. He came up behind me and pinned me against the car. I couldn't move; I touched myself. It was harsh and mean and rough. He pulled my pants down and touched me.
I was able to knock my head into his face, and he let go. I got in my car and drove away."
     I looked up and saw Briggs with tears in his eyes. "I'm so sorry." He wrapped his arms tightly around me."
     I whimpered against his chest. He tried to say the right things, but I couldn't hear them. I saw Chris's sinister face, and I fell asleep against Briggs.